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ESOTERISM IS 




WHAT ESOTERISM IS 



BY 



AGNES E. MARSLAND 

AUTHOR OF "FIRST PRINCIPLES OF ESOTERISM 




THE ORIENTAL ESOTERIC PUBLISHING CO. 

1443 Q STREET NORTHWEST 

WASHINGTON, D. C 






Copyright by Agnes E. Marsland 
1910 



THE CARNAHAN PRESS 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 



©GI.A271300 



K* 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Introductory 5 

What Esoterism Is 7 

Conception of God . . . 9 

The Relation of Man to God 11 

Man's Duty to his Fellow-man 12 

Man's Duty to Himself 13 

The Great Plan 14 

Man's Place in the Plan 15 

Origin 20 

Scope 21 

Harmony of Science with Religion .... 22 

Reincarnation 25 

Karma 27 

The Will 29 

Hypnotic and Psychic Practices 30 

Generation and Regeneration 32 

Esoterism and the Astral Plane 34 

Esoterism Contrasted With Other 

Schools of Oriental Thought 36 

Tables of Relative Importance 40-41 



WHAT ESOTERISM IS 

Introductory 

The question "What is Esoterism" is 
the first one on the lips of the inquirer, and 
it is asked so often and so persistently that 
we have determined to give in a few words 
some answers to the query; not a full or 
exhaustive explanation, for that is impos- 
sible — esoterism cannot be imparted by one 
to another — but enough to stimulate the 
latent life stirring within and to give it food 
for further growth. 

There is in the mind of most people a 
very vague and undefined idea of esoterism 
as a secret teaching and therefore one to be 
avoided ; they approach it with a sort of 
fear, due to the misrepresentations of those 
who are ignorant of it, and who are hostile 
to anything but their own belief. 

Those, however, who are better in- 
formed, know that sacrifice and secrecy are 
invaluable aids to the development and 
growth of the soul ; and all thoughtful men 
are interested to learn more of a teaching so 



6 What Esoterism Is 

different from that of the world — whose 
very name suggests the Silence. 

It is well known that Pythagoras required 
his followers to spend a term of years in 
silence and retirement; the history, indeed, 
of all great achievement is preceded by a 
going into the "wilderness" or "up into a 
high mountain apart." 

We shall, then, set down in the following 
pages a few of the most evident truths about 
Esoterism ; knowing that, though many will 
pass them carelessly by, yet they will be 
recognized by those whose hour has struck. 

We do not aim at convincing anyone, we 
do but plant a few guide-posts to direct the 
footsteps of those who are seeking. 

Truth needs no defence. It is, or it is 
not ! If it is, it proves itself. 



WHAT ESOTERISM IS 

"For the things zvhich are seen are 
temporal; but the things zvhich are 
not seen are eternal." 

The word Esoterism is derived from the 
Greek Esoterikos (within) and it embraces 
the inner as contrasted with the outer. 

Esoterism declares the invisible to be 
more real than the visible, the life than 
the form, the soul than the body. 

This is the principle that distinguishes 
esoterism, on the one hand, from the judg- 
ment of the intellectual man, on the other — 
the Christ-life from worldly belief. The 
life of the disciple of esoterism is marked 
by a living faith in the invisible, and a 
knowledge of the truth from experience. 
He does not believe, he knows! 

There are many persons living esoteric 
lives in all the sects of the Christian Church, 
for the teachings of esoterism are one with 
those of the Lord Issa (Jesus) ; but the 
trend of dogma is outward into expediency 

7 



8 What Esoterism Is 

and reason, and unless it is counter-bal- 
anced by a very spiritual nature, true faith 
in the invisible becomes relegated to the 
realm of superstition; or, at best, is re- 
ceived as a tradition — of that which was 
but M no more. 

For expediency is as far from faith as 
the East is from the West; expediency is of 
the earth, earthy ; faith is from above. 

The teachings of esoterism are based, not 
upon dogma, but upon principle; they em- 
body the eternal laws of God that govern 
nature and the soul of man. They are not 
the exclusive property of any group of 
persons whatever, but are open to the inves- 
tigation of all. The secrets of nature have 
always been revealed to those who could 
receive them; in all the ages of the world 
there have been wise men, philosophers, 
sages and initiates, who have attained to 
many powers now hidden from us. If 
these laws remain unknown to the mass of 
men today it is because humanity is not 
living up to the required level. As men ad- 
vance in toleration, self-control, in purity, 
love and knowledge, as they become less 
sectarian and more universal, they also will 



What Esoterism Is 9 

come to read in Nature's Book, and her 
secrets will unfold before them. 

Sectarianism is unknown in Esoterism; 
the disciple being absolutely tolerant, and 
gladly giving freedom of thought and creed 
to all men. 

Conception of God 

Another of the questions most frequently 
put to us is asked in a low, somewhat doubt- 
ful voice : "But you do believe in God, do 
you not ?" and it shows at once how far the 
ordinary idea of Esoterism wanders from 
the truth. 

Esoterism not only believes in God, it 
knows Him ; and there is a vast difference 
between belief and knowledge. 

The teachings declare God to be the One 
Supreme Being, who gave forth from His 
own Essence the Universe and all that 
lives, so that all, absolutely all, is seen to be 
of God. 

It is difficult to give in words any con- 
ception of God, the Absolute; for the All- 
Embracing, Omnipresent, and Eternal can- 
not be qualified or described. He who has 
neither "beginning of days nor end of 




io What Esoterism Is 

years/' who is "Father of Light, with whom 
is no variableness, neither shadow of turn- 
ing/' God "from everlasting to everlasting," 
cannot be conceived in His fullness by finite 
man; for the finite cannot conceive the In- 
finite. 

But, since it is impossible for man to 
reach the height of this conception, God is 
revealed to him by the Great Teachers of 
humanity as a loving Father, all-wise and 
all-powerful, in whom love and justice are 
one. This ideal man can readily grasp, and 
it becomes to him a more or less personal 
Deity — God, the Absolute, clothed in human 
attributes — and to this Omnipotent, Omni- 
present and Omniscient Fatherhood he 
offers worship. 

Esoterism tells also of an endless chain of 
Beings, greater than man and more evolved, 
occupying all the steps of the great spiral 
of evolution between man and God, Who 
may be called the Fathers of our present 
humanity. 

These Great Souls remain in touch with 
our earth in order to aid in its evolution; 
They are practically omnipotent so far as 
our world is concerned; and They are 



What Esoterism Is n 

known as the Elder Brethren, Masters of 
Wisdom and Compassion. These are truly 
one with God and with all Law, and the 
disciple reverences Them; and as he offers 
his life in the service of humanity, he also 
becomes one with Them and with the Divine 
Plan. 

The Relation of Man to God 

God manifests Himself to man as The 
Father ; it is in this character that man must 
learn the true nature of God and his own 
relationship to Him. 

For man is the son of God, partaking of 
His Essence. This Spark Divine is his in- 
alienable birthright and can never be lost; 
the prodigal may wander, but he can always 
return to his Father's house. 

The ultimate goal of man's evolution is 
indeed Divinity itself. Towards this pro- 
digious height he climbs day after day, by 
working at his "Father's business ;" for 
esoterism teaches that work is, at the present 
stage of man's evolution, the surest and 
safest path for man to follow in order to 
know God. 

As the son aids the father in his work, he 



12 What Esoterism Is 

comes to understand the plan of the work 
and is brought into a very vital touch with 
the inner nature of his father. He becomes 
one with him and with the work. He be- 
comes It. 

This is the Path to Divinity. 

Man's Duty to His Fellow-man 

From the stand-point of Esoterism, man 
is Spiritual Being — a living soul. The duty 
of one to another therefore is first spiritual, 
and afterwards material or outer. 

"Sow a thought and you will reap an 
action ;" if he thinks aright, his actions will 
take care of themselves. 

Love is the first and most evident of 
duties; it might be said, indeed, to cover 
the whole field ; for if any man could govern 
his every act and thought by love, there 
would be no need of further discourse. 

Add to love, freedom and a large toler- 
ance. The disciple allows other men (even 
those of his own family) to have their own 
thoughts and to act in their own way. He 
does not seek to know what they are think- 
ing or doing, for this would impede their 



What Esoterism Is 13 

freedom of action, and therefore limit their 
soul activities. 

His love and service do not wax and wane 
according to the appreciation received; he 
looks for no gratitude or return of any 
kind, but, uninfluenced by the hostility or 
indifference of others, he continues his 
path, never forcing his love or knowledge 
upon any, but always ready to give to those 
who ask. 

Esoterism claims that every man must 
fulfill strictly the duties of his position in 
life, and not seek to escape from them if 
such action would cause suffering to others ; 
for an exemplary husband, mother or citizen 
is better than a selfish devotee. 

Man's Duty to Himself 

Man's duty to himself is to seek the light. 
If he is, as has been said, the son of the 
Great All-Father, it would seem as if the 
whole energies of his being should be bent 
upon keeping clear and open the channel of 
communication between himself and his 
Father. 

The man who is true to himself exercises 
a rigorous control over his whole nature; 



14 What Esoterism Is 

he restrains the lower desires and frees him- 
self gradually from their demands, remem- 
bering always that his highest ideal should 
be to reflect the Divine Will and to become 
a fit instrument for the Master's use. He 
does not seek after worldly renown, wealth 
or position ; adulation or blame are unheed- 
ed by him, for he is always in equilibrium. 
With a mind one-pointed, he has a single 
aim — to know God, and to become one with 
Him. And to this end, he "deals justly," 
he "loves mercy" and he "walks humbly." 

The Great Plan 

There is, then, a plan ; all is not confusion, 
injustice and suffering? 

There is, indeed, a plan ; but one so vast, 
so infinitely far-reaching that it is well-nigh 
invisible to the ordinary sight. 

Picture, if you can, the Great Whole — 

ONE THAN WHICH THERE IS NO OTHER. 

This Great Being is alone, for He is 
all there is. When He out-breathes, He 
gives forth a Universe. This universe 
involves and evolves with its multitudes 
of interchanging and crossing activities; 
and when it has reached its greatest expan- 



What Esoterism Is 15 

sion, it returns again by In-spiration to the 
One from whom it came forth; and, how- 
ever manifold and contrary may have been 
the cross-purposes of the various beings 
who formed a part of any of the worlds 
engendered in this great out-pouring, yet 
all must be eventually stilled into slumber 
in the bosom of the One. 

Man's Place in the Plan 

From this One, it is a vast descent to 
man; but since the Universe is one, the 
same general principle and plan is true of 
the individual man as it is of the Grand 
Man, the Macrocosm. 

Man's life, as a whole, is one great expres- 
sion of those qualities that lie dormant with- 
in him — qualities that he has himself created 
and stored up in all his former lives. Thus 
he gives forth his little universe. This is 
expiration. Arrived at maturity, he begins 
to in-spire and draw back into himself all 
these activities he has perfected, and dies, 
so to speak, that he may be ready for an- 
other expression. 

See how this cyclic activity is mirrored 
in Nature. In the acorn, life is still in- 



16 What Esoterism Is 

visible, at rest; nor can any scientist say 
whether or no the seed will ever reproduce 
its kind. The acorn falls to the ground, 
and, if the great father-oak has informed 
it with his life, that invisible activity within 
the germ of the seed begins to stir. Feed- 
ing upon the body of the acorn, the root 
pushes down into the earth and shoots up- 
wards into the air; it becomes a giant oak 
and for many long years it shows forth all 
those characteristics that were hidden and 
invisible in the germ. It carves upon its 
trunk the lines indicating Will, indomitable 
energy, resistance, courage and strength; 
the heavy, luxuriant foliage of each year 
shows the current of the life-force, and each 
leaf is marked with the tenderest in- 
dividuality. 

Here are multitudes of lives in one grand 
life! 

Now comes the time of the greatest ex- 
pansion; the oak has expressed all the 
activities and qualities that lay dormant 
within the germ. It begins to have seen 
its best days, it becomes smaller and weaker 
each year, physically, until at last it dies, 
as we say, or to speak more correctly, it 



What Esoterism Is 17 

enters the invisible world to rest awhile and 
come forth again refreshed. It has drawn 
back into itself all those qualities and activi- 
ties it had expressed; the oak is no more, 
save for the life lying invisible and forgot- 
ten in the germ within the acorn. 

The process of dying, or inspiring — 
drawing back the activities into the indi- 
vidual — is not a momentary happening, as 
it is usually supposed, but is spread over a 
long period of time. From the moment of 
maturity we begin, like the acorn, to return, 
by inspiration, to the bosom of the Father, 
and to withdraw and perfect within our- 
selves those experiences and those qualities 
that we would express in our next earth-life. 
It is ever the same cycle. The coming 
forth of activities from the invisible, their 
manifestation in infinite variety, and their 
gradual return to the invisible when per- 
fected. 

The Breath manifests on all the planes of 
Being; it is spiritual, mental, astral, etheric 
and physical in succession as its vibrations 
gradually slow down; but the same law al- 
ways holds good — Expiration and Inspira- 
tion, and then Expiration again — eternally. 



1 8 What Esoterism Is 

If the primitive plan of progression con- 
tinues to work in the same order as it has 
commenced — if all the kingdoms of nature 
continue to evolve and develop at the same 
time; then, when man shall have attained 
the summit of the universe, he will be fol- 
lowed by legions of beings mounting behind 
him towards the Supreme Splendor. 

He can then look back upon the picture 
of his whole series of existences, and he will 
see no single link in the immense chain of 
evolution missing. He will see, as from the 
height of a tower, extended before him as 
far as the eye can reach, the infinite series 
of creations ; he can number and recognize 
all the states through which he himself has 
passed — all the steps of the ladder where 
he has planted his foot — and upon all of 
these steps he will see beings, reproducing 
faithfully the image of what he himself was 
in the course of his successive lives. 

He will then see in this living mirror a 
representation of his whole history; the 
nebula cooling and condensing — the terres- 
trial crust forming and thickening around 
the globe — the minerals depositing and be- 
coming solid — vegetable life issuing from 



What Esoterism Is 19 

the still-heated slime — then animals of all 
species — then man. 

And, progress still continuing, he sees 
the kingdom of the superhuman appear — 
Wisdom, Love and Will come forth in 
bodies growing ever more glorious, power- 
ful and full of beauty — until at last Divine 
Majesty is fully realized in the harmonious 
union of matter with spirit. 

Humanity is at the point where spirit and 
matter may be consciously blended and the 
invisible brought forward into the visible; 
and so man is like a harpist who knows 
something of the laws of vibration and who 
plays upon his instrument drawing from its 
strings whatever symphony his genius 
dictates. 

When plentitude has been attained, when 
the breath is all expired, (when the oak has 
arrived at maturity) begins the grand move- 
ment of the return to unity. The majestic 
procession of beings is gradually and 
rhythmically absorbed into the motionless 
Center of Life — as all the power and in- 
finitely varied activities of the oak are 
stored up in the invisible germ of life in a 
single perfected acorn — and of all that had 



20 What Esoterism Is 

been in Cosmos there remain only invisible 
germs, preserved beyond the limits of Time, 
Space or Number by Him who has realised 
the Supreme Perfection. 

Each of these vast plans or schemes of 
evolution, is perfected in seven periods, 
called Manvantaras; and when we learn 
that one of these alone stretches into 306 
million 720 thousand human years, we gain 
some idea of the grandeur of the Universe 
and of the greatness of God. 

Origin 

Esoterism or the Occult Science of the 
Orient does not emanate from the intelli- 
gence of ordinary men, but from the minds 
of extraordinary men ; not that their mental 
and physical structure is other than that of 
mortals in general, but because their souls 
have developed powers that have hardly 
formed into buds in our own. 

In the Orient, these Great Souls have 
made investigations almost exclusively into 
the mental and spiritual realms — the nature 
of God and of the soul of man — into the 
invisible, and into the subtler, etheric 
spheres of the earth's envelope. 



What Esoterism Is 21 

vVorking in the Silence for many cen- 
turies, They have made discoveries and 
transmitted them to a little group of dis- 
ciples; and these, starting from the data 
thus supplied, have in their turn made many 
more discoveries and transmitted them in 
the same manner, so that the body of Initi- 
ates today has attained to knowledge im- 
possible of belief to ordinary scientists. 

Scope 

Esoterism gives the history of the past 
and the future of the earth and the other 
planets. It explains the evolution of life 
through mineral, vegetable, animal and 
human forms, cycle after cycle — for all life 
is cyclic. It tells of an etheric substance in 
which all the universe is bathed, the Breath, 
called the Akasa or the Astral Light, which 
is the reservoir of all present, past and 
future events. It gives a satisfactory ex- 
planation of the object and utility of the 
other planets and the nature of their in- 
habitants ; of the geological cataclysms of 
the earth ; it explains the existence of suffer- 
ing and inequality; it provides a definite 
and intelligible scheme of manifestation in- 



22 What Esoterism Is 

eluding both involution, or the descent of 
spirit into matter, and evolution or the 
ascent of spirit to God — a perfect cycle, a 
small arc of which has been recently par- 
tially discovered by Darwin and other 
scientific investigators. 

Harmony of Science With Religion 

Science has for several centuries past 
been at war with Religion ; for having be- 
come entirely identified with materialism, 
and looking at revelation and the Sacred 
Books from its own stand-point — that is 
literally— it fails to understand their state- 
ments, and therefore sees errors of all 
kinds — chronological, geological, zoological 
— in the various narratives that seem to re- 
late to the phenomena of nature. 

Religion does not expect to be taken in a 
physically literal sense only, it speaks for 
the most part in symbol — this being often 
the only channel through which revelation 
can reach the spiritual intelligence of man. 
The ancient Initiates spoke in parable and 
veiled their knowledge so that it could be 
understood in a literal sense and also in 
six other inner and more vital senses. 



What Esoterism Is 23 

Thus, every scripture is said by Esoterism 
to have seven keys. 

The first twelve chapters of Genesis, for 
example, contain, when read with these 
keys, a complete cosmogony; and it is well 
understood that a "day" in the language of 
symbol signifies a day of creation or of 
Brahma, being a long period of years ; that 
a night represents another long period, 
Pralaya, or the interval of rest between two 
such days. Thus, in accordance with the 
oriental method of teaching, the patriarchs 
may well have symbolized great universal 
forces, or again they may have stood for 
special epochs of time and thought. The 
right interpretation of scripture in its seven- 
fold sense has never been in the hands of 
the masses ; but to the disciple of esoterism, 
it reveals, as he advances, far vistas of at- 
tainment; and in place of a contradiction 
between Religion and Science, he perceives 
a great harmony. 

Formerly religion and science were one, 
and he who was the greatest scientist, who 
truly understood the laws of the Universe, 
was so because of his initiation into these 
mysteries. He had proven himself physic- 



24 What Esoterism Is 

ally, morally, intellectually and spiritually 
great, and this union between religion and 
science that the Initiates realize within 
themselves, is again about to be consum- 
mated in the experience of the New Era 
upon which we are now entering. 

Science has reached the height of her pos- 
sibilities in the investigation of the invisible ; 
such problems as the nature of life, for 
example, still elude her, and a thousand 
others just as vital. There can be no 
further progress, it is generally conceded, 
by means of finer mechanical apparatus, 
and all advanced thinkers are agreed that 
the subject must be approached from an- 
other side. 

Esoterism supplies that other side, for it 
teaches that only the man who has de- 
veloped within himself certain qualities is 
able to investigate, or to safely use, the 
subtler forces of nature. From now on- 
ward, research will not depend upon the in- 
genuity of delicate mechanical contrivances, 
for all of these will be superseded by hu- 
man, vital force; and the scientist of to- 
morrow will act directly upon Nature. This 
great revolution is at hand and will unite 



What Esoterism Is 25 

for all rime religion with science by trans- 
muting the scientist into the Mage. 

Reincarnation 

The law of Reincarnation is much mis- 
understood and often confused by inquirers 
with the "Transmigration of Souls" or some 
other of the many doctrines held in the 
Orient. Of all these, however, only Rein- 
carnation is logical, continuous and satisfy- 
ing to the intelligence as well as to the soul 
of man. 

It teaches that, though the body perishes, 
yet the soul always is; that it always has 
been; that long aeons ago it came forth 
from the Great Source, a vital undulation, 
issuing from Nirvana. It takes on many 
forms, every separate form constituting a 
body; it is, in turn, mineral, vegetable and 
animal, and all this is preparatory to the 
final inflow of intellectual and spiritual man ; 
this final step is yet but the beginning of a 
new series of reincarnations, experiences 
and rebirths, for man has to pass through 
all worlds, and to live in each world so long 
as is necessary for him to learn and to 
understand all about that world. 



26 What Esoterism Is 

Truly, life, from the stand-point of 
Esoterism is a stupendous task, or a glori- 
ous achievement, from whichever side we 
look at it. 

There is so much to learn about our earth, 
for example, that one short life is entirely 
insufficient for man to get even the first 
grasp of himself, or of his conditions. And 
so, having lived his three-score years and 
ten, he sleeps awhile in so-called death to 
the physical, whilst he lives the spiritual life 
on higher planes and returns to earth, hav- 
ing made good those few lessons he had 
learned and fixed them in the subconscious, 
so that they appear as tendencies in the next 
life. If, in a former life, he had the ex- 
perience of poverty and if he learned its 
lessons in any degree, he will now come to 
the experience of riches, which is a far 
harder lesson than that of poverty. It is so 
difficult for a man to be rich and at the same 
time truly spiritual, that a Great Teacher 
has said that it is "impossible for a rich 
man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. ,, 

And this series of differing experiences 
continues throughout many lives, the soul 
gaining continually in clearness of vision 



What Esoterism Is 27 

and in understanding of the physical and 
lower realms, and coming into a greater 
power of expression in them; till, from 
being a helpless infant, as it was when it 
first began to incarnate, it passes through 
childhood, youth and manhood, and becomes 
the perfected soul, the Master, the Adept. 

Karma 

The law of Karma is also much misun- 
derstood. It is held up as a hard and 
cruel taskmaster, and is blamed for all of 
the suffering that men endure ; so that men 
fear and dread Karma, instead of courage- 
ously meeting the results of their own past 
actions. 

The prevailing teaching of dogma declares 
that it is possible to do an evil action, and 
yet, through the intervention of some 
Superior Being, to escape the consequence 
of that action. 

This teaching is entirely contrary to Eso- 
terism, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that 
shall he also reap" certainly seems much 
more logical and just ; nor can we find any- 
where in Nature any parallel to the gener- 
ally accepted plan of salvation. 



2b What Esoterism Is 

It is contrary to principle and to every 
known law that a cause should not produce 
its due effect; and the greater the soul, the 
less able is he to disobey law ! It has been 
said that there is one thing that even God 
Himself could not do in His Universe, and 
that would be to break the law. 

God is Justice. That God is also Mercy 
is shown in the numberless opportunities 
that are given to every soul for its perfec- 
tion. Not one life, but many lives ; not one 
trial and test but an infinite number of such 
delicately graded problems and difficulties 
are brought to him, that it is rendered an 
impossibility for any soul to refuse at last 
so gentle a suasion. Day after day, year 
after year, life after life, the same lessons 
are presented ; and each time the conditions 
are varied somewhat, so that every part of 
the nature of the disciple is tempered and 
strengthened. Each decision that he makes 
sinks into the subconscious man and be- 
comes gain or loss, according as he has 
decided for or against morality, truth and 
justice; and, though his life as a personality 
changes constantly, though he is sometimes 
man, sometimes woman — now rich, now 



What Esoterism Is 29 

poor — yet those qualities that he has stored 
up as character are never lost, and each life 
shows a steady advance. After having been 
powerful and rich in one life, he may come 
to be very humble and poor in the next, and 
so the world might judge that he had retro- 
graded ; but the world should remember that 
it is said of the Lord Issa, "He had not 
where to lay his head." 

The Will 

Will is the first of Powers, therefore the 
cultivation and development of the Will are 
of first importance to the disciple. By 
means of the Will he is required to choose 
his path and to work for his own regenera- 
tion, by curbing the lower desires and bring- 
ing them into harmony with the Will 
Divine. 

As a result of this discipline, the strength 
of the Will increases steadily and continu- 
ously, so that the disciple comes to have 
power over nature and natural forces, over 
his whole environment, as well as over 
other men. 

This is a dangerous and critical point in 
his career, for it tests his nature to the 



30 What Esoterism Is 

utmost. If he uses the powers acquired 
unselfishly, for the good of his fellows, his 
path will continue onwards and upwards; 
but if selfish desires creep in, he will fall 
into some phase of what is known as "Black 
Magic/' There is today much dangerous 
teaching being given, innocently enough, 
along the lines of "success" and the attain- 
ment of wealth — or even health — which 
falls under this head. Fore-warned is fore- 
armed ! 

Hypnotism and Psychic Practices 

From what has just been said it follows 
that the practice of hypnotism is both de- 
structive and injurious to all concerned. 

In medical practice it is unnecessary and 
undesirable — even though much good can 
apparently be effected temporarily by its 
use in certain cases — for magnetism, as it 
is employed in the schools in Paris, can re- 
place it in every instance, without bringing 
the unfortunate attendant results ; and there 
is no other use of hypnotism that need, for a 
moment be considered. 

All negative psychic practices must be 
abjured by the disciple of esoterism, for 



What Esoterism Is 31 

"Will is the first of Powers," and he who 
relinquishes his Will to the dominion of an- 
other whether visible or invisible, and al- 
lows himself to be controlled by that other, 
is giving up his own birthright, and, in 
weakening himself, is retarding the progress 
of the race. 

Mediumistic control is harmful to all con- 
cerned, for, while the medium is speaking 
the words of another, his own God-given 
intelligence is lying fallow ; his mental 
powers are circumscribed (for his control 
only allows him to move in a narrow field) ; 
while his emotional nature is subjected to 
great strain and he becomes irritable and 
oppressed. 

A very subtle form of danger is en- 
countered by those who are delving curi- 
ously into the secrets of Ceremonial Magic 
of one kind or another. These persons are 
growing more numerous every day as the 
literature on the subject is being sown 
broadcast, so that a word must be said in 
warning. Those who enter the astral 
realm, who evoke the presence of spirits 
by magical arts, are in danger, if they 
succeed, of "selling their souls to the devil" 



32 What Esoterism Is 

as it was expressed in mediaeval phrase- 
ology ; for the powers invoked always exact 
a terrible penalty, and the danger is great. 

Generation and Regeneration 

The creative power in man may be used 
for the generation of physical offspring, 
which is its grossest manifestation; or for 
the generation of offspring on the higher 
planes of expression, such as is seen in any 
creative work, whether mental or spiritual; 
or again for the regeneration of the indi- 
vidual himself. 

This power should never be used (or 
rather wasted) for self-gratification, but 
should be carefully conserved and trans- 
muted on to the higher planes where man 
ought to work. 

Though this is perhaps not the place to 
enter in detail upon this subject, yet there 
are two or three principles that should be 
pointed out, even here, so .that the position 
of Esoterism may be clearly defined; and 
especially so that light may be thrown upon 
this vital and perplexing problem. 

When two have chosen to live as one, 
there must be mutual co-operation and 



What Esoterism Is 33 

mutual understanding for the uplifting of 
that One on to the higher planes. 

Just how this shall be effected will be the 
individual problem for every couple to 
solve. But there must surely be a unity of 
ideal and of effort, and no compulsion or 
selfish desire. 

When, as is so often the case, a barrier 
of the world's making (apparently) stands 
between those who would otherwise have 
sought each other, the disciple recognizes 
this bar as a sign-post of Karmic law, and 
turns aside from that path, however much 
he may suffer in so doing. 

The most subtle and mischievous teach- 
ing, perhaps, among those which are being 
given on all sides, devises means to secure 
the gratification but to reject the conse- 
quences ; and nothing could be more devoid 
of principle than this attempt. 

We are not perfected beings, and the 
fact that we are still in some degree sub- 
ject to sex-desire should keep us ever aspir- 
ing and at the same time ever humble. Let 
the disciple remember that desire is not 
the highest possibility, and let him aspire 
higher. 



34 What Esoterism Is 

Esoterism puts all its teachings as defi- 
nitely as possible to those who ask for them 
and who need them; but, as in all other 
questions, it leaves the disciple free to attain 
height after height along the difficult path 
of regeneration. There is no condemnation 
for him who falls; but a strong hand 
stretched out to help, with a word of 
brotherly counsel. An ideal is set up and 
all are invited to aspire towards it. 

Esoterism and the Astral Plane 

With regard to the astral plane, there is 
a great and radical difference between the 
teachings of Esoterism and those of other 
schools, especially those that are most 
eagerly sought after. 

While the student of Esoterism is told 
of the existence of the astral world and the 
general laws obtaining in it, he is also 
taught that to enter that plane unprepared 
and before he has control of his own astral 
activities would be as foolhardy as it would 
be to trust himself to the raging ocean when 
he could not swim. He is therefore bidden 
to conserve his latent powers and to use 
them creatively ; for he must become master 



What Esoterism Is 35 

of his own astral body before he can enter 
this realm of illusion to any purpose. When 
he shall have learned by his own experience 
in his daily life to control his emotions, to 
purify his desires and to consciously direct 
his activities and his creative powers, then 
it may be safe for him to lower his rate of 
vibration and center his consciousness in 
the astral for purposes of investigation and 
usefulness. 

Only as master can this plane be safely 
entered at any time, for it must always be 
entered from above, never from below. 
Almost all books dealing with this subject 
advise some practice by means of which 
men may climb up another way; but Eso- 
terism teaches that true knowledge can be 
gained in no other way than by the greatest 
purity of life and thought. 

To enter the astral plane from below, 
through the physical, is fraught with danger ; 
whether entrance be sought by concentra- 
tion upon some physical object, by the use 
of Ceremonial Magic, or by breathing and 
other psychic exercises undertaken with a 
view to rousing the Kundalini ; for all of 
these, as well as mediumistic practices, are 



36 What Esoterism Is 

destructive to the Will of the Real Man, 
and tend to dissipate his powers. 

Curiosity is rampant in the world today, 
and it is slaying its thousands and its tens 
of thousands ! 

Esoterism Contrasted With Other 
Schools of Oriental Thought 

While we have the broadest tolerance for 
the points of view of other men, yet Eso- 
terism has a very definite and practical 
teaching of its own. 

To inquirers the differences between the 
various schools and our own are difficult 
to perceive, so that we are constantly asked 
to draw some clear lines of demarcation be- 
tween them. This we are always loath to 
do, because Esoterism, being synthetic, 
looks rather at the points of agreement than 
at differences. It glories in the harmonies 
that exist in all religions and it sets aside, 
as of secondary importance, those diver- 
gences that arise out of the multiplicity of 
creation. 

Still it seems desirable to use these last 
pages to show, in a general way, what Eso- 
terism stands for, by throwing some of its 



What Esoterism Is 37 

teachings and methods of development into 
contrast with those of other schools. We 
do not do this in any sectarian spirit or with 
the intention of disparaging the ideas of 
others, for all aspects of truth are valuable. 
According to our teachings, however, cer- 
tain points are, at the present stage of evolu- 
tion, of primary importance, while others 
should be allowed to take a secondary place. 

The esoteric teachings are very strong on 
the religious, moral and ethical sides ; for 
man must, first of all and above all things, 
live to the highest he knows ; only so can he 
learn more. 

This distinguishes Esoterism as belong- 
ing to the "Heart" doctrine and not to that 
of the "Eye" or of head-learning. It is 
very important, truly, for man to be intel- 
lectually well-equipped ; yet we are told, 
"The brain that reasons the most wisely 
knows less of the Eternal Science than the 
heart that loves. Love may exist without 
form ; but no form can exist without love !" 

Esoterism is primarily subjective and 
not objective in its methods. It regards 
every subject from within; it studies the 
grand Principles and Laws of Life rather 



38 What Esoterism Is 

than their manifestations, Causes before 
effects, Life before body. Seeing every 
subject, first of all and principally, as 
a whole it spends comparatively little time 
on outer details. Its tendency is always to 
the center and towards Oneness. It de- 
clares that the reading of books, talking and 
the attending of lectures should be indulged 
in sparingly after the first foundation has 
been laid ; for all these are scattering to the 
force of the growing soul — the "real" man. 
Strength and enlightenment come from 
within, not from without. The omnivor- 
ous reader is never a creator; and though 
books are a valuable adjunct to develop- 
ment, yet they must stand second, and not 
first. The intellectual is not the "real." 

Though "to know God" may be said to 
be the end and aim of human endeavor, yet 
this height is not to be attained at a single 
bound. Rather is the upward path seen to 
be a series of graduated steps, like those 
of a ladder, built by the disciple himself , as 
he ascends from earth to heaven. There is, 
in the life of the disciple of Esoterism, no 
special state of God-Consciousness, to which 
he may attain, once for all in ecstasy, and 



What Esoterism Is 39 

be forever blessed! There are, indeed, 
wonderful moments of spiritual upliftment, 
blissful halting-places and oases in the 
desert of earth-life; but these are not re- 
garded as ends in themselves, nor are they 
to be looked at in the separated sense of per- 
sonal achievement. Rather are they gifts 
from above, rifts in the clouds through 
which the glory shines and quickens the 
life of the aspiring soul. Only the weak 
and perishing will elect to remain in the 
oasis; the strong will but use its cool and 
refreshing memory to speed them on their 
journey back into the world of action. 

Nor will the true disciple think that this 
"vision glorious" has freed him for all time 
from sin, or given him henceforth the right 
to live as he will; rather does it raise his 
ideals and purify his standards, so that, 
now, he obeys the laws of life voluntarily 
and not because of conventional observ- 
ance. 

The following table will make our mean- 
ing clearer. In the first column are those 
central ideals round which all our teachings 
are grouped. We value these things first, 
but without neglecting some other views 
shown secondarily. 



40 



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42 What Esoterism Is 

In the first column of the foregoing table 
we find those ideals which the disciple 
strives to live, first of all. Contrasted with 
these, in the second column are other ideals, 
good in themselves often and necessary to 
the childhood of the soul, but secondary to 
the grown man; while in the third column 
we find pitfalls to be avoided. 

We have spoken plainly, for this is the 
day when, if ever, plain speaking is needed 
for the salvation of the race. A New Era 
is with us and those who fall into line with 
the Grand Army will be led onwards and 
upwards, while those who fall out of the 
ranks must wait long for another oppor- 
tunity. 

A teacher, instructions and books are not 
the first essentials, though they are all most 
useful. The "one thing needful" is now, as 
it always has been, the devotion of the heart 
to high ideals, strength to live these in spite 
of every obstacle, and loving service. 

HE WHO FEELS HIS HEART BEAT PEACEFULLY, 
HE SHALL HAVE PEACE. 



FIRST PRINCIPLES OF ESOTERISM 

(Published under the auspices of the Order of 
the Initiates of Thibet) 



The object of this work is to "present in an orderly 
sequence the 'First Principles' upon which a balanced and 
symmetrical knowledge of Occultism rests, and to point out 
the essential connection between this and a pure, true life.*' 

It is addressed primarily to " those who have familiarized 
themselves with the ordinary Oriental teachings," and is de- 
signed to guide the disciple to the first of the Seven Portals 
that lead into the "superhuman" or Divine World; as well as 
to provide him with the keys necessary to open the gate. 

The book is, howc /er, for the most part easily appreciated 
by those who have little or no acquaintance with the sub- 
ject; all technicalities or foreign terms (whenever of necessity 
introduced ) are explained in the text the first time they occur. 



Table of Contents : COLORED FRONTISPIECE, The 
Three Worlds CHAPTER I. Exoterism and Esoterism 
— II. God, Man and the Universe — III. The Constitution of 
Man — IV. The Plastic Mediator and the, Odic Fluid— 
V. Man's Place in the Universal Scheme — VI. Involution 
and Evolution — VII. Reincarnation and Immortality — 
VIII. The Law of Karma — IX. Methods of Instruction in 
the Order. 




PURPOSE 

i. To form a chain of universal Brotherhood, 
based upon the purest altruism, without distinc- 
tion of creed, caste, sex or color, in which reign 
tolerance, order, discipline, liberty, compassion 
and love. 

2. To study the Occult Sciences of the Orient, 
and to seek by meditation, concentration and by a 
special line of conduct, to develop those powers 
that are in man and his environment. 

3. To provide a practical philosophy of life 
which shall aid men in meeting the problems and 
enduring the trials of the world with fortitude. 

4. To give Lectures and Courses of Study for 
the members and for inquirers. 



ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP 

1. Affiliation with the Universal Brotherhood, 
and union, more or less vital according to the 
development of each one, with Those Who are 
directing the Great Work of human progress. 

2. The privilege of sharing in a united and 
systematic movement to further this great work; 



of aiding it by individual effort and influence, or 
by contributing financially; and the opportunity 
of personal association with its leaders. 

3. The receipt of such lessons as accord with 
the degree of membership. 

4. Admission to the meetings of the Society 
for study (see under "Classes of Membership"). 

CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP 

There are three classes of membership : Active, 
Corresponding and Honorary. 

Active Members are those who are desirous of 
giving active aid to the work, and who are suffici- 
ently advanced to receive this degree. They are 
required to pass an initiatory examination, and 
they receive personal instruction if desired. 

Corresponding members are those who are in 
close connection with the Trustees of the Society, 
working with it for the diffusion of the oriental 
esoteric doctrines, and they receive those lessons 
to which their grade entitles them. They can 
attend the weekly meetings as guests. 

Honorary Members are those who, having 
served the Society, or the world, actively by 
special work, or in some other way, are nomi- 
nated as such by the Trustees, in recognition of 
their efforts. They can attend the weekly meet- 
ings of the Society by invitation. 

BULLETIN 

The Society issues a weekly Bulletin in order 
to give out the teachings and also to keep the 
different parts of the work in touch with each 
other. The Bulletin contains a helpful editorial 
and a poem as well as information with regard 
to books and literature, and it is a means of com- 
munication with members and correspondents all 
over the world. Subscription 50 cents a year. 



LIBRARY 

The Oriental Esoteric Library, which is affili- 
ated with the Society, sells, and loans by mail most 
of the standard works relating to Oriental Phil- 
osophy and Ethics, Occultism, Theosophy, Psychi- 
cal Research, New Thought and kindred subjects; 
many of these books are loaned without charge. 
The Free Mailing- Section is especially intended 
for inquirers. Address Librarian, O. E. L. 

YOUNG PEOPLE'S SECTION 

The Young People's Section is especially 
designed for those between the ages of fifteen 
-and twenty-one, although no age-limit is fixed. 
Its aims and teachings are the same as those of 
the Society. Address its President, Mr. Carleton 
W. Washburne, 600 Villa St., Elgin, 111. 



For all further particulars address 

SECRETARY O. E. S., 1443 Q ST. N. W. 

WASHINGTON, D. C, 



AUG 30 1919 




One copy del. to Oat, Div. 



•:. , < 



